IndyCar Race Announced for Washington, DC's America250 Celebration

The NTT IndyCar Series will hold a championship points race on the streets around the National Mall to mark the country's 250th birthday.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:47pm

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President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order directing the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for an NTT IndyCar Series race on August 21-23, 2026. The event, called the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., will recognize the historic milestone of America's independence and celebrate the legacy of American motorsports.

Why it matters

This will be the first time a major motor race has been held in the nation's capital near the National Mall, providing a unique opportunity to showcase Washington, D.C. and the American spirit of competition, innovation, and patriotism to a global audience.

The details

The event will be administered by IndyCar in coordination with the White House task force, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.'s Executive Office of the Mayor. The street circuit event will be free to the public and include vantage points of several national monuments and symbols of pride.

  • President Trump signed the executive order on January 30, 2026.
  • The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. will take place on August 21-23, 2026.

The players

President Donald J. Trump

The 45th President of the United States who signed the executive order to bring the IndyCar race to Washington, D.C. for the America250 celebration.

Roger Penske

The owner of the NTT IndyCar Series who attended the signing of the executive order.

Eric Shanks

The CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, which will televise the race live.

Muriel Bowser

The Mayor of Washington, D.C. who is supportive of bringing the major racing event to the nation's capital.

Sean Duffy

The United States Secretary of Transportation who has pledged the department's full support for the race.

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What they’re saying

“For over 100 years, American IndyCar racing has set the pace for motorsports. With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”

— President Donald J. Trump (Executive Order)

“President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we're grateful for his trust and support as IndyCar prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle.”

— Roger Penske, IndyCar Series Owner (Forbes)

“Freedom doesn't ring; it revs. IndyCar is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America.”

— Sean Duffy, United States Secretary of Transportation (Forbes)

“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital. But we don't stop there and work to attract major events. That's why I am thrilled to welcome the Freedom 250 to the Nation's Capital this August.”

— Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C. (Forbes)

“There is no better place to celebrate America's independence than in our nation's capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through IndyCar – a sport built on speed, innovation, and competition.”

— Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer, FOX Sports (Forbes)

What’s next

More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This historic IndyCar race in Washington, D.C. during the America250 celebration will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the nation's capital, the American spirit of motorsports, and the legacy of patriotism and innovation that has defined the United States for 250 years.